[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 198 (Thursday, October 13, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 63809-63810]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-26727]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 198 / Thursday, October 13, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 63809]]


                Proclamation 8735 of October 7, 2011

                
Columbus Day, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus and his 
                crewmembers sighted land after an ambitious voyage 
                across the Atlantic Ocean. The ideals that guided them 
                to this land--courage, determination, and a thirst for 
                discovery--have inspired countless Americans and led to 
                some of our Nation's proudest accomplishments. Today, 
                we renew our commitment to fostering the same spirit of 
                innovation and exploration that will help future 
                generations reach new horizons.

                Ten weeks before his arrival in the Americas, Columbus 
                and his crewmembers set sail from Spain in search of a 
                westward route to Asia. Though their journey was 
                daring, it did not yield the trade route they sought. 
                Instead, it illuminated a continent then unknown to 
                Europe, and established an unbreakable bond between two 
                distant lands.

                These explorers, and countless others that followed 
                them, encountered indigenous peoples that had lived in 
                the Western hemisphere for tens of thousands of years. 
                On this day, we also remember the tragic hardships 
                these communities endured. We honor their countless and 
                ongoing contributions to our Nation, and we recommit to 
                strengthening the tribal communities that continue to 
                enrich the fabric of American life.

                Columbus returned to the Americas three more times 
                after his first historic voyage, and his journey has 
                been followed by millions of immigrants, including our 
                Nation's earliest settlers and Founders. Born in Genoa, 
                Italy, Christopher Columbus was the first in a proud 
                tradition of Italians to cross the Atlantic to our 
                shores. Today, we recognize their indelible influence 
                on our country and celebrate the remarkable ways 
                Italian-Americans have shaped the American experience.

                The excitement Christopher Columbus and his crewmembers 
                experienced that October morning is felt every day by 
                today's pioneers: entrepreneurs and inventors, 
                researchers and engineers. On the anniversary of 
                Christopher Columbus's voyage, we celebrate the pursuit 
                of discovery as an essential element of the American 
                character. Embracing this heritage and inspiring young 
                people to set their own sails, our Nation will reach 
                the shores of an ever brighter tomorrow.

                In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic 
                voyage 519 years ago, the Congress, by joint resolution 
                of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 
                107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim 
                the second Monday of October of each year as ``Columbus 
                Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 
                10, 2011, as Columbus Day. I call upon the people of 
                the United States to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag 
                of the United States be displayed on all public 
                buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse 
                history and all who have contributed to shaping this 
                Nation.

[[Page 63810]]

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-26727
Filed 10-12-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P